Simulator of Humans and Automation in Dispatch Operations

Welcome to the SHADO!

Introduction

Welcome to the Simulator of Humans and Automation in Dispatch Operations (SHADO)!
This tool, designed by Duke University researchers, simulates the workload of a dispatch operator and associated freight
rail operators across the duration of a given shift. With SHADO, you can choose a trip with unique conditions and then
see the operators' average workload after thousands of similar shifts.

You should use this tool to answer the following questions:

When are my operators over or under-utilized at work?

Why are my operators over or under-utilized at work?

How might we improve operator workload, as well as overall system efficiency and safety?

Background

A core set of tasks has been defined and implemented to encompass tasks that crew members may encounter during their trip. These tasks and their descriptions are summarized below. To see more underlying assumptions, visit advanced settings.

Task Type

Description

Communicating

Filtering through relevant information for the operation and communicating information that may impact the macro-level network of operations

Exception Handling

Attending to unexpected or unusual situations that must be handled in order to continue with the trip

Paperwork

Reviewing and recording operating conditions

Maintenance Of Way Interactions

Maintaining situational awareness of other crews along the track

Temporary Speed Restrictions

Recalling information issued on track bulletins and adapting to updates while train is in motion

Signal Response Management

Maintaining attentiveness to direction from track signaling system and responsive to proper control system within a safely allotted time

Monitoring Inside

Maintaining attentiveness to informational displays and to engineer's performance to maintain a safe operation

Monitoring Outside

Maintaining attentiveness to warnings and environmental conditions that may affect operations

Planning Ahead

Maneuvering locomotive control system for throttle, braking and other subtasks like horn-blowing before railroad crossing

Getting Started

Note that this site is currently only compatible with Chrome and Firefox. If you're ready to get started, then let's go! And if you encounter any issues or have questions about the simulation, please contact us!

NOTE: This decision support tool is intended to inform rather than dictate decisions.